AI & software

Software developments continue to evolve rapidly and underpin many innovations in nearly all sectors, driven in recent times by the advent of advanced AI algorithms. Our expert-led comprehensive IP strategies provide a vital commercial advantage in this fast-moving, complex field.

Various considerations arise in protecting software-based developments, including whether the requirements for patentability in different jurisdictions are fulfilled. Other considerations include the detectability of third-party implementations, whether retaining knowledge of the software as a trade secret is preferable, and open-source considerations.

HGF’s team have deep knowledge of technical processes behind software and the skills required to identify patentable computer-implemented inventions, to satisfy the different patent protection requirements around the world. HGF also maintains up to date knowledge of case law and other developments in patent law and the software industry to continually develop our practice.

From life sciences and healthcare, to automotive and telecommunications, software underpins many technical fields. At HGF, we frequently provide cross-disciplinary teams of attorneys to work on projects for our clients which include software-specialist attorneys. This ensures our clients benefit from software specific advice as well as the expertise of the attorneys who specialise in the relevant technical field.

Our team guides in-house patent departments, companies, SMEs and academia, delivering our full range of IP services to help your business secure valuable IP protection for your software innovations.

Latest updates

HGF energy and IP

Fuelling IP: Nuclear Fusion Patents – Is 20 Years Enough?

A patent is often described as providing 20 years of exclusivity. For technologies that take many years to develop, test, license and bring to market, the period of commercially meaningful …

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Miniaturisation and Patentability: Why Scaling Down a Product Is Not Enough to Qualify as a Patentable Invention

Miniaturisation has become a defining trend in modern engineering. From consumer electronics to medical devices, companies constantly strive to make products smaller, lighter, and more portable. This evolution is often …

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T 0847/24 – New EPO Case Law Informs Strategy for AI-Assisted Engineering Design Patents

The recent EPO Board of Appeal decision T 0847/24 sets out that, when AI is involved in product design, the patent claims should follow the process through from digital model …

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Fuelling IP: Navigating the Patent Landscape: An Introduction for Energy Innovators

In today’s fast-evolving energy sector, innovation is essential – but so is knowing where to innovate. Understanding the intellectual property (IP) landscape is more than a legal exercise, it’s a …

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AI software

New 'Technical Character' Guidance Formalised by UKIPO Practice Note

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has now released formal guidance for examining UK patent applications directed to software and AI inventions. The practice note comes almost six months since …

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Six Sectors. Six Golds. Financial Times: Europe’s Leading Patent Law Firms 2026

HGF has once again been recognised with ‘Gold’ rankings across all six sectors in the Financial Times Special Report – Europe’s Leading Patent Law Firms 2026. We are one of …

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AI Governance: In Pursuit of a Rapidly Moving Target

1. Introduction: the governance paradox There is a growing paradox in boardrooms and legal teams: everyone is tired of talking about AI—and yet no one can afford to stop. Artificial …

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HGF energy and IP

Fuelling IP: Green Branding and Trade Mark Risk in the Energy Transition

What do the trade marks GREEN STEAM[1], ECO FLOW[2] and [3] have in common?  The answer is that they are all marks that have been refused by the EU Intellectual …

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Let's talk

If you would like to discuss how HGF could help you, contact one of our AI & software specialists.